MS-13 Gang Member Pleads Guilty in Connection with Kidnapping and Murder of 14-Year-Old
Edwin Orellana Caballero, a member of the notorious MS-13 gang, has pleaded guilty for his role in the kidnapping and murder of a 14-year-old boy, known by the initials S.A.A.T, in 2016. Orellana Caballero, who was 16 at the time of the crime, is connected to the Park View Locos Salvatrucha clique of MS-13. The brutal murder involved multiple gang members and weapons such as knives, machetes, and a pickaxe. This article outlines the details of the crime, Orellana Caballero's guilty plea, and the ongoing legal proceedings.
Details of the Crime:
On September 26, 2016, MS-13 members, including Orellana Caballero, lured S.A.A.T. to Holmes Run Stream Valley Park in Fairfax County, Virginia.
The gang murdered the 14-year-old victim in a wooded area using knives, machetes, and a pickaxe.
Edwin Orellana Caballero struck S.A.A.T. multiple times with the pickaxe, leading to his death.
After killing the victim, the gang buried him in a shallow grave.
Legal Proceedings:
Orellana Caballero, transferred for prosecution as an adult under the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, pleaded guilty to one count of maiming in aid of racketeering activity.
The guilty plea carries a minimum sentence of 20 years and a maximum of 25 years in prison.
The sentencing is scheduled for February 28, 2024, and the actual sentence will be determined by a federal district court judge, considering sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
Total Defendants and Trial Outcomes:
A total of 17 defendants have been charged in connection with this case.
Five defendants went to trial and were convicted on all charges.
Ten defendants pleaded guilty before trial.
Law Enforcement Collaboration:
The investigation received significant assistance from various law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Marshals Service, Alexandria Police Department, Prince William County Police Department, Montgomery County (MD) Police Department, and the Marin County (CA) Sheriff’s Office.
OCDETF Operation:
The case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation, which focuses on identifying, disrupting, and dismantling high-level criminal organizations using a multi-agency approach.
Justice Department's Comprehensive Strategy for Reducing Violent Crime:
The announcement is aligned with the Justice Department's Comprehensive Strategy for Reducing Violent Crime, aiming to harness federal resources, intelligence, and expertise in collaboration with state, local, and tribal law enforcement.
Over $334 million in critical grant funding has been awarded to law enforcement agencies and stakeholders to support hiring new officers, enhance school safety, and advance community policing nationwide.
Conclusion:
Edwin Orellana Caballero's guilty plea sheds light on the violent activities of MS-13, emphasizing the need for continued efforts to combat organized crime. The ongoing collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the Department of Justice's comprehensive strategy aims to address violent crime and enhance community safety nationwide.
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